Questions, answered
The things people ask before they book. If yours is not here, ring 022 036 2022 or send a message.
Can we drink on the bike?
No. The drinking happens at the stops, where each bar has a deal set up for Beercycle riders. That is what keeps it a pub crawl rather than a party bus, and it is what keeps the bike road legal.
How many people fit on?
Up to 15 riders a bike. Ten seats have pedals, two sit above the back wheels and three share the bench along the back. Auckland has two bikes, so a crew of up to 30 can book both for the same tour; Christchurch and Queenstown have one bike each. Your driver steers, and when a tour needs it a host rides in the middle to run the music and keep the energy up.
How long is a tour and how many bars?
Two hours, start to finish, with three or four stops.
What times do tours run?
Tours run from 10am. Public tours leave at midday, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm, the last of the day. Private bikes can start from 10am by arrangement.
Who drives?
A Beercycle driver. Your group pedals, laughs and picks the music; the driver does the steering and the road.
How old do riders need to be?
18. Bring valid photo ID, because every stop is a licensed bar.
Where do we meet?
Auckland: Good George Bar, North Wharf, 1 Jellicoe Street. Christchurch: Dux Central, 144 Lichfield Street. Queenstown: 1876 Bar, 45 Ballarat Street. Private groups can start somewhere else for a fee; ask when you book. Please be there 15 minutes before your start time.
What’s the music situation?
A Bluetooth speaker on board. Connect your phone and play what you like.
What if it rains?
We ride, rain or shine. The bike has a roof, so you stay fairly dry.
Can we eat on the bike?
Yes. Some groups run a progressive dinner, stopping at restaurants along the route instead of bars. Ask when you book and we will plan the stops.
How do I know a date is free?
The booking calendar shows live availability. Pick your city, hit Book, and choose a date and time. First come, first served. For anything unusual, ring 022 036 2022.
When is my booking confirmed?
Once your payment goes through. You get a confirmation email straight away.
What is the cancellation policy?
Bookings are non-refundable. Cancel 7 days or more before your tour and you get a free rain check for later in the year, time subject to availability. Within 6 days we deal with it case by case, and a date change fee may apply.
How fast does it go?
As fast as you pedal, which in practice is a chilled walking-to-jogging pace. Some groups have hit 12 km/h on a good stretch.
Is there a height limit?
To reach the pedals you need to be around 150 cm or taller. Shorter riders take the bench seat and ride along.
What should we bring?
ID, money for drinks, and shoes you can pedal in. Everything else, the driver, the bike, the speaker and two hours of it, is included.
What are the rules?
Turn up sober enough to ride: anyone clearly intoxicated at the start will not be allowed on, with no refund, for everyone’s safety. Be on time, because the next group is waiting and tours end exactly two hours after they start; on a public tour we leave without latecomers. Abusive or reckless riders are asked to leave, and any damage to the bike is charged.